10 Computing Facts

Best Practices for Using the Student Web Portal and E-mail System

1. For your protection of your identity, follow these rules regarding your password.
   • It is your password, it is your responsibility.
   • Do not share your password or login ID with anyone. You are responsible for anything that happens when your ID and password are used.
   • Do not use the same password for all of your logins.
   • From time to time, passwords expire as required by National University auditors. To keep your information safe, you will need to change your passwords regularly.
   • Ensure that passwords have more than six characters, including mixed cases, letters and numbers. Never use a real word or a term someone would be likely to guess such as your child's or pet's name, your hometown, or your favorite sports team as a password.
2. Unfortunately, computer viruses and "malware" or malicious software are part of our digital life. Stay current and update the virus protection software on your computer often. Keep your operating system current as well.
3. Beware of e-mail hoaxes as well as phishing and pharming scams. Do not open an e-mail from someone you do not know. Trust your instincts, and if the e-mail looks suspicious, delete it.
4. Anytime you are solicited via e-mail to reveal personal or financial information, always consider the source. Do not share this information unless you can confirm that the request is legitimate. One way to do this is to call the organization making the request and ask them about the e-mail. Forward questions about other employees or students to Human Resources or the Registrar.
5. As a student, you have the benefit of having access to National University's computers, networks and software programs. Avoid using these resources for personal reasons.
6. Remember that by its very nature e-mail is neither secure nor private. Think about your message — what it says, its tone, and its intended audience — before hitting "send."
7. Logout every time you finish a SOAR session.
8. Back up and save your work often and keep the backups in a safe, secure place.
9. Data has value and must be protected in the same way that you protect other valuables. Treat your information with care and you will reduce chances of data mishaps.
10. It's the golden rule: treat other people's (and the university's) private information as you would have them treat yours.